Flat Panel Angiography in the Cross-Sectional Imaging of the Temporal Bone: Assessment of Image Quality and Radiation Dose Compared with a 64-Section Multisection CT Scanner.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cross-sectional imaging of the temporal bone is challenging because of the complexity and small dimensions of the anatomic structures. We evaluated the role of flat panel angiography in the cross-sectional imaging of the temporal bone by comparing its image quality and radiation dose with a 64-section multisection CT scanner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected 29 multisection CT and 29 flat panel angiography images of normal whole-head temporal bones. Image quality was assessed by 2 neuroradiologists, who rated the visualization of 30 anatomic structures with a 3-point ordinal scale. The radiation dose was assessed with an anthropomorphic phantom. RESULTS: Flat panel angiography showed better image quality than multisection CT in depicting the anterior and posterior crura of the stapes, the footplate of the stapes, the stapedius muscle, and the anterior ligament of the malleus (P < .05). In contrast, multisection CT showed better image quality than flat panel angiography in assessing the tympanic membrane, the bone marrow of the malleus and incus, the tendon of the tensor tympani, the interscalar septum, and the modiolus of the cochlea (P < .05). Flat panel angiography had a significantly higher overall image quality rating than multisection CT (P = .035). A reduction of the effective dose of approximately 40% was demonstrated for flat panel angiography compared with multisection CT. CONCLUSIONS: Flat panel angiography shows strengths and weaknesses compared with multisection CT. It is more susceptible to artifacts, but due to the higher spatial resolution, it shows equal or higher image quality in assessing some bony structures of diagnostic interest. The lower radiation dose is an additional advantage of flat panel angiography.

MR Imaging in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Time to Talk.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as acute hearing loss of the sensorineural type of at least 30 dB over 3 contiguous frequencies that occurs within a 72-hour period. Although many different causative factors have been proposed, sudden sensorineural hearing loss is still considered "idiopathic" in 71%-85% of cases, and treatments are empiric, not based on etiology. MR imaging implemented with a 3D FLAIR sequence has provided new insights into the etiology of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Herein, we review the current management trends for patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss, from the initial clinical diagnosis to therapeutic strategies and diagnostic work-up. We focused primarily on MR imaging assessment and discuss the relevance that MR imaging findings might have for patient management, pointing out different perspectives for future clinical research.

Sensitive determination of paraquat by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry with chitin modified carbon paste electrode.

A novel analytical approach has been developed and evaluated for the quantitative analysis of paraquat herbicides which can be found at trace levels in olive oil and olives. The aim of this work is to optimize all factors that can influence this determination by a carbon paste electrode modified with chitin (Chit-CPE). The best responses were obtained with square wave potential in diluted Na2SO4 as supporting electrolyte. The influence of various parameters on the Chit-CPE was investigated. Under the optimized working conditions, calibration graphs were linear in the concentration ranges of 5.0 × 10(-9)-1.0 × 0(-5) mol L(-1). For 180 s preconcentration, detection limits of 2.67 × 10(-10) mol L(-1) (peak 2) was obtained at the signal noise ratio (SNR) of 3. To evaluate the reproducibility of the newly developed electrode, the measurements of 1.0 × 10(-5) mol L(-1) PQ were carried out for seven times at Chit-CPE and the relative standard deviation was 5.2%. The analytical methodology was successfully applied to monitor the paraquat content in olives and olive oil.

Removal of indigo carmine dye from water to Mg-Al-CO(3)-calcined layered double hydroxides.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) calcined, denoted as CLDHs, have been shown to recover their original layered structure in the presence of appropriate anions. In the light of this so-called "memory effect", the removal of indigo carmine (IC), an anionic dye, from aqueous solution by calcined Mg-Al-CO(3) LDHs was investigated in batch mode. We looked at the influence of pH values, dye-adsorbent contact time, initial dye concentration and various temperatures of heating of LDHs on the decolorization rate of IC. The adsorption isotherms, described by Freundlich model are L-type. The characterization of the solids CLDHs, both fresh and after removal of IC, by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy shows that the IC adsorption on CLDHs is enhanced by reconstruction of a matrix hydrotalcite intercaled by the dye, and the intercalation of the organic ion was clearly evidenced by the net increase in the basal spacing from 0.76 nm for [Mg-Al-CO(3)] to 2.13 nm for the organic derivative.